Cultivating New Farmers

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With a growing demand for local and organic food, there are numerous opportunities for new farmers.
With a growing demand for local and organic food, there are numerous opportunities for new farmers.
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Students with an interest in organic farming have many new options to consider, as colleges and universities begin to offer more programs in this field of study.
Students with an interest in organic farming have many new options to consider, as colleges and universities begin to offer more programs in this field of study.
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Tabitha Alterman, former apprentice, with Bob and Beryl Foerster, who grow organic coffee at Dragon's Lair Kona Coffee Farm in Hawaii. Read about her WWOOFing (Worlwide Opportunities on Organic Farms) experience in
Tabitha Alterman, former apprentice, with Bob and Beryl Foerster, who grow organic coffee at Dragon's Lair Kona Coffee Farm in Hawaii. Read about her WWOOFing (Worlwide Opportunities on Organic Farms) experience in "Learning to Farm on the Side of a Volcano."
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The rapid growth of farmers markets is an exciting opportunity for would-be market gardeners. Looking for farmers markets in your area? Visit www.localharvest.org.
The rapid growth of farmers markets is an exciting opportunity for would-be market gardeners. Looking for farmers markets in your area? Visit www.localharvest.org.
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As a generation of farmers retires, many programs are working to recruit and educate young people.
As a generation of farmers retires, many programs are working to recruit and educate young people.
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What better way to learn whether you like farming than by taking a job on a farm?
What better way to learn whether you like farming than by taking a job on a farm?
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If you're ready to learn how to farm, many resources can help, from academic programs to apprenticeship and internship opportunities.
If you're ready to learn how to farm, many resources can help, from academic programs to apprenticeship and internship opportunities.

Farming is one of the most useful and satisfying occupations people can pursue. It meets our need to feel useful, exercises body and brain, builds communities, and connects us with nature. The more food we produce for ourselves and our neighbors, the healthier our communities will be. But with the average U.S. farmer now 55 years old, we need a new generation of farmers to replace those who are retiring.

Fortunately, there are many young people who dream of becoming farmers, and with the rapidly growing demand for organic and local food, there also are growing business opportunities to meet local needs for fresh, healthy food. If you or someone you know is an aspiring farmer, there are numerous career options. Here’s where to start learning the skills to earn a fulfilling living on the farm.

The Academic Route

A good place to start looking for academic programs near you is the online directory maintained by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This directory is a thorough list of the colleges and universities with sustainable agriculture programs, and the much greater number of schools offering one or more courses in organic farming.

Many of the colleges listed are land-grant universities — state colleges and universities specializing in agriculture. State universities offer two-year, four-year and graduate programs, and while they have a tradition of emphasizing industrial agriculture, many now also teach sustainable and organic approaches.

  • Published on Feb 1, 2007
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